BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Update BCD436HP Database without Sentinel Software

[thescannerdude123]

Hello, unfortunately the only Windows laptop I have is my work computer. My company has the permissions pretty locked down so I am unable to install Sentinel. Is there a way to update the database and/or the firmware without having to use the sentinel software? Can I insert the SD card into the computer and download the latest data files from RadioReference.com?

Thank you!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Hi fellow Delcoian @ welcome to the RR forums!
Per the info given here there is no way to directly download database info without the use of a software application. See third party supported software list here. Also Sentinel is the only software that can update firmware. Several third parties offer database updating with a premium subscription to RR

 

[Hit_Factor]

Just buy a cheap used computer on eBay or craigslist. If it can run Windows 10 and connect to the internet, it's powerful enough to run Sentinel. In other words, Sentinel is very lightweight application.

I bet there is something you can find for 100 to 150 bucks.

Updating the DB is not something most people need to do regularly. Maybe the geek squad would do it, kind of like rent a computer for a few minutes.

 

[fxdscon]

Hello, unfortunately the only Windows laptop I have is my work computer. My company has the permissions pretty locked down so I am unable to install Sentinel. Is there a way to update the database and/or the firmware without having to use the sentinel software? Can I insert the SD card into the computer and download the latest data files from RadioReference.com?

Thank you!

If you are using a Mac at home, check here:

Mac Users of Police Scanner Radios | ScannerMaster.com

Mac Users of Police Scanner Radios.

www.scannermaster.com

 

[Enjoi19]

You could do a virtual machine as well with Windows - many do that (assuming your home machine simply is running MacOS or Linux).

 

[dave3825]

Just buy a cheap used computer on eBay or craigslist. If it can run Windows 10 and connect to the internet, it's powerful enough to run Sentinel.

Does not have to be Windows 10. It will run on Windows 7 and even Window's XP no problem.

 

[buddrousa]

It will run on a cheap 100 Dollar WALMART Windows Tablet

 

[Hit_Factor]

Does not have to be Windows 10. It will run on Windows 7 and even Window's XP no problem.

Too many cyber risk in XP.

 

[thescannerdude123]

It will run on a cheap 100 Dollar WALMART Windows Tablet

How would you connect the scanner to the tablet?

Just buy a cheap used computer on eBay or craigslist. If it can run Windows 10 and connect to the internet, it's powerful enough to run Sentinel. In other words, Sentinel is very lightweight application.

I bet there is something you can find for 100 to 150 bucks.

Updating the DB is not something most people need to do regularly. Maybe the geek squad would do it, kind of like rent a computer for a few minutes.

This is what I am leaning toward - I'd just hate to drop $150 on a computer I'll use 1-2 times a year

You could do a virtual machine as well with Windows - many do that (assuming your home machine simply is running MacOS or Linux).

Do you have any tips? I am not a Mac person, but my wife has a macbook. I can use hers but from the tutorials I've seen online it doesn't exactly look like a straightforward process.

 

[dave3825]

Too many cyber risk in XP.

What's the risk if its just being used to program a scanner? I run a win xp machine to program radio shack scanners and never had a problem. Its connected it internet when needed and it has nothing personal at all. Someone gets in, there is nothing there for them.

 

[Hit_Factor]

What's the risk if its just being used to program a scanner? I run a win xp machine to program radio shack scanners and never had a problem. Its connected it internet when needed and it has nothing personal at all. Someone gets in, there is nothing there for them.

It can be the attack vector to anything on the network. You'll have to do some studying as to why, even if the PC has "nothing valuable", on it.

The whole Target cyber breach started when actors entered the network through the internet connected HVAC controls.

It's like randomly buzzing in people into an apartment building.

 

[dave3825]

I am not at all concerned as there is nothing of interest on the pc and it is not networked. These actors can come in but will leave empty handed.

 

[Hit_Factor]

I am not at all concerned as there is nothing of interest on the pc and it is not networked. ...

You gave advice to to use Windows XP to someone else, that's irresponsible.

 

[dave3825]

Actually, I did not give advice for any user to use XP. I quoted your misleading statement and then corrected it.

If it can run Windows 10 and connect to the internet, it's powerful enough to run Sentinel.

Your statement implies or could lead one to believe Sentinel will only work on a laptop / pc capable of running Win 10, when in fact it ran fine on much older pc's / laptops running Windows XP that had lesser hardware requirements than Win 10 does.

 

[buddrousa]

The USB PORT BUILT ON THE TABLET

 

[thescannerdude123]

The USB PORT BUILT ON THE TABLET

I've never had a tabled with a USB-A port, I guess I can look at getting an adapter for a USB-A to USB-C

 

[jonwienke]

There are plenty of tablets with USB A ports.

 

[dougjgray]

I have a dell 8in win 8 tablet that works with a usb host cable(go cable) and i can connect the scanner to it. Not useful only had 32 g of internal storage but works with sentinal if i need when not home